What If Your Workplace Were Run Like a Hockey Game?

The NHL lockout is causing me some serious hockey withdrawal. So, I thought this would be a great time to discuss an idea I've had for some time now.

A couple of years ago, I kept getting into arguments with one of my co-workers. Being in the middle of hockey season at the time, I thought to myself: "Wouldn't it be great if I could just check this guy into the boards? Or maybe drop gloves with him and settle the argument once and for all?"

I could do all that and more if my workplace were run like a hockey game. Let's explore this workplace fantasy of mine.

Enforcers

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In hockey, the enforcers are the players tasked with protecting the superstars, as well as sending a message to players on the other team when necessary.

Enforcers exist in the workplace as well, ensuring that their bosses are insulated from the complaints of the lower ranking employees. They also free up the bosses from having to worry about discipline.

Enforcers come in all shapes and sizes in the workplace:

The manager who constantly rides you about being more productive.

The associate who yells at you over the smallest mistake.

The foreman who cusses you out in front of the whole crew.

These taskmasters are bad enough as it is. Now imagine having to fight one of them.

Fighting

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Sometimes, certain co-workers don't get along with each other.

In fact, certain co-workers never get along with each other.

So, instead of constantly tip-toeing around each other and being passive-aggressive all day long, causing the tension to build around the workplace, why not duke it out right in the middle of the office?